Newbury Stitch Fair returning to Kennet Centre

Following a successful event earlier this year, Newbury Stitch Fair is making a return.

The fair features a number of fabric, wool and haberdashery stands and craft workshops.

The event is for anyone from beginners to experienced dress makers.

For those keen to learn about overlooking then Lawratu Patton – a contestant in TV show The Great British Sewing Bee 2021 – will be on hand to help people understand it.

Craft workshops include making festive decorations, fabric printing and needle felting.

Stands include stitch fabrics, the silk route, Doughty’s and Brian’s best wools.

The fair is the brainchild of Marion Scott-Baker, who has been named one of three UK Sewing Heroes for their work in supporting their local communities through sewing.

The Thatcham woman has been sewing since she was a child and is making it her mission to promote sewing locally with an emphasis on young people and people with mental health challenges who may benefit from the distraction of sewing and crafting.

She said: “I am thrilled the Stitch Fair has been a great success and it will return and be even bigger in November.”

The event is organised in conjunction with and proceeds will go to West Berkshire Mencap.

CEO of West Berkshire Mencap, Sara Vaughan, said “We are delighted to be working with Marion on the Stitch Fair, which has become an important date in our diaries.”